Alternative Testing

/https://siu.edu/search-results.php

Last Updated: Aug 08, 2025, 02:33 PM

Instructor Overview

All alternative testing arrangements must be completed through the OAA Instructor Portal. Instructors must complete a testing agreement for each course where a student has testing accommodations.

The process begins when a student sends their accommodation letter through the student portal. Once the instructor receives the notification, they must log into the OAA Instructor Portal to complete a testing agreement and enter all exam dates for each course. A custom link to each course testing agreement is also found at the bottom of the accommodation letter.

Step-by-step tutorials for submitting exam dates and completing the testing agreement are available at access.siu.edu/oaa-portal-tutorials.php.

Exam Delivery:

Exams are not accepted via email due to the potential risk to the security of exams. Exams should be submitted to the OAA office at least one business day before the scheduled test date using the delivery method selected in the testing agreement.

Exam Delivery Options:

The portal must be used to complete the testing agreement, but instructors have two options to deliver the exam to OAA:

  • Upload to the OAA portal
  • Hand Delivery to OAA

Instructors may upload exams in advance—even before a student submits an exam request.

Tutorials for uploading exams are available at access.siu.edu/oaa-portal-tutorials.php.

Student Scheduling Deadlines:

Please be aware that students must schedule exams through the student portal by the following deadlines:

  • Quizzes: at least 1 business day in advance
  • Class Exams: at least 2 business days in advance
  • Midterms: at least 3 business days in advance
  • Final Exams: at least 10 business days in advance

Exam Return:

Completed exams will be returned using the method selected in the testing agreement. Options include:

  • Instructor Portal upload
  • Campus mail
  • In-person pick-up
  • D2L or other electronic submission platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I submit an exam by email?
    No. Exams must be submitted through the Instructor Portal to ensure test security.
  2. Can students choose when to take their exams?
    No. Students must take exams at the same date and time as the class—unless you approve a different time. Instructors can set testing windows when completing the testing agreement. If a student needs to test at a different time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance, they must email the Testing Coordinator with the instructor’s written permission.
  3. Can students use electronic devices during testing?
    No. Students may only use materials you’ve approved in the testing agreement or allowed through accommodations. All personal items, including phones and smartwatches, are locked away before testing.
  4. Will I be notified when a student finishes an exam?
    Yes. You’ll receive an email showing how long the student took to complete the exam.
  5. When will I get the completed exam back?
    It depends on the return method selected in the testing agreement:
    • Instructor Portal upload: Same day
    • Pick-up: Same day
    • Campus mail: Mail is sent on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Delivery time is not guaranteed by OAA. Contact us if it’s delayed, or reach out directly to campus mail services.
    • Online submission (e.g., D2L): Same day
  1. Do students have to test at the OAA if they have accommodations?
    Using accommodations is optional. Students must submit an exam request if they want to test with accommodations.
  2. If the exam is online and doesn't require proctoring, does the student still need to test at OAA? If the instructor doesn’t require proctoring, the student does not need to come to the OAA. Occasionally, some students may have accommodations that require in-person assistance.